7 Little Luxuries (for $10 or Less) to Pick Up at Costco This Holiday Season

Gifting season is finally upon us, and it’s tempting to click “Buy” no matter the cost. But with much of our mindset focused on budgeting this year, we knew there had to be a way to treat our loved ones (and ourselves!) without breaking the bank. A great way to do that? Focus on little luxuries — those small-ticket items that feel special but don’t cost a ton.

Big-box stores, like Costco, are known for their big-ticket items, but if you look a little closer you can fill your cart with decadent gifts for everyone on your list for less than $10 each. Here are seven little luxuries you can find at Costco this holiday season.

This double-cream cheese with edible rind is a decadent addition to any cheese board. The cheese is made in Vermont from cow’s milk and goat’s milk. Spread this luxuriously smooth and creamy cheese on crusty bread or crackers.

Buttery caramel is covered in smooth dark chocolate and topped with just the right amount of sea salt in these two-bite candies. Sanders chocolate-covered caramels are available year-round, but I always pick them up at the holidays. Wrap a red ribbon around the jar and you have the perfect gift for teachers, neighbors, and friends.

Every year I’m on the lookout for specialty sweets to serve alongside homemade holiday cookies and these pretty puff pastry sandwich cookies are perfect for that. This fanciful version of Vienna Fingers swap the cookie for crispy, sugar-coated puff pastry and a not-too sweet vanilla filling.

Senior Contributing Food Editor Kelli Foster introduced me to these bagel chips via her Instagram feed this fall and they’ve completely replaced my standard snacking cracker. The bite-sized chips are seasoned with everything bagel seasoning. Crumble them over soups and salads instead of croutons, serve them with mild creamy cheeses, or nibble on them straight from the package.

Brunch is one of my favorite ways to gather with friends this busy time of year. I put a large pot of coffee on, start my holiday playlist, and crisp up Costco croissants in the oven. Serve the flaky, buttery pastries with jam from your Bonne Maman advent calendar.

Citrus may be your go-to fruit for the season, but if you’ve already eaten your fill of oranges, give persimmons a try. Fuyu persimmons ripen on the counter, as avocados do, getting brighter in color and sweeter in flavor. Eat out of hand like an apple (even the skin is edible!), toss in a farro salad, or use them to make an elegant persimmon strudel.

These crisp, buttery French cookies are an easy way to instantly elevate your holiday get-togethers. They’re just the thing to serve with an afternoon cup of tea — or a glass of Champagne.

What little luxuries have you splurged on from Costco? Share your picks in the comments below.